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2- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 4, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Raise a toast to newest Master of the Quaich a class act class of '08 leaves its legacy Each year at Closing Day, Appleby's graduates are honoured by our community for their hard work and accomplishments, as they start their new journeys toward university and beyond. It's a fitting end to an educational experience like no other. Congratulations, Class of 2008! By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Contact Appleby's Admissions Office 905-845-4681, ext. 252 enrol@appleby.on.ca www.appleby.on.ca 540 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville An Oakville businessman has been recognized by his peers for his promotion of Scotch whiskey Peter D. Mielzynski, CEO and president of Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd. (PMA) was recently named a Master of the Quaich by an exclusive Scotch whiskey society known as the Keepers of the Quaich at an elaborate ceremony at Blair Castle in Scotland. "When you look at the group of Master Keepers, it is quite an elite group of leaders in the industry," he said. "All of these people have done a lot of extraordinary things for Scotch whisky and for the liquor business around the world, so it is quite an honour." The Keepers of the Quaich is an elite society of leading international figures in the Scotch whisky industry. It was formed in 1988 to build the image and prestige of Scotch whisky, with members from 54 countries. There are two levels of membership. The first is Keeper of the Quaich. Mielzynski joined the ranks of this group of about 1,800 people 11 years ago. "What you have to do to get in as a Keeper is have five years of experience in CARRIERS WANTED The Oakville Beaver The Oakville Beaver is looking for newspaper carriers in your neighbour hood! Support your local carrier RECLINE CL N! CLINE E le n StyPrei Father's Day Specials Join our carrier club PROUDLY SUPPORTING CANADIAN MANUFACTURERS Earn extra money and win prizes Many routes still available Call immediately for more information 217 Lakeshore Road East Downtown Oakville Since 1953 905-845-9742 905.844.3530 www.swissinteriors.com Master of the Quaich Peter D. Mielzynski the Scotch whiskey business, you have to do something extraordinary for the promotion of Scotch whiskey in your market and you have to be nominated by one of the leading companies," he said. The Executive Committee of the Keepers of the Quaich determines which Keepers will become Masters of the Quaich by examining several factors, such as how the brands Keepers represent have done in their market. The success of PMA Canada on this particular point was a major reason Mielzynski had his name put forward for Master of the Quaich, which is a title currently bestowed on only 104 people worldwide. While it doesn't come with a lifetime supply of Scotch whiskey, which Mielzynski joked would be a great award, what is even better is the contacts it gives the businessman in this specialized industry, he said. "When you are part of this group, you can call on fellow Keepers and Master Keepers and discuss business and Scotch whiskey," he said. "To me, it is a whole library of people that you can call upon, if you need certain advice and support." This Master of the Quaich was more than happy to share the secrets of tasting Scotch whiskey. He said the best way to smell and taste whiskey is by pouring it in a tulip-shaped glass, placing your palm over the glass and shaking it so your palm is wet. Then, rub your palms together and smell the aroma. To taste it, put your nose in the glass and breathe deeply before drinking it neat, he said. "I would recommend people taste their whiskey without their favourite mix and without ice," he said. But there is no "right" way to enjoy it socially, he added. His method of choice is drinking a blend or single malt with a solitary ice cube. "I know a lot of whiskey drinkers, especially single malt drinkers, that hate putting even one ice cube in whiskey," he said. "But my attitude is when you buy a bottle of whiskey, you should drink it the way you like. You shouldn't be pressured to drink it with or without ice just because someone else likes it that way." Mielzynski says the credit for his recent title of Master of the Quaich goes to his father Peter G. Mielzynski, who started PMA close to 30 years ago. "I would recommend people taste their whiskey without their favourite mix and without ice." Master of the Quaich Peter D. Mielzynski "My father has been in the business for more than 50 years and has done more for Scotch whiskey than anyone in Canada, but unfortunately he isn't a Keeper," he said. "My father should have been the first Master Keeper. My father is the one who got me in this business and taught me so many things." Mielzynski's father is still actively involved in the company, serving as its chairman. Today, PMA is Canada's largest independent purveyor of wines and spirits. Its customers range from LCBO and liquor stores across the country to hotels and restaurants. PMA's headquarters is based in north Oakville, with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and PMA representatives in several other provinces. The company currently employs more than 140 people and has a low turnover rate, according to Mielzynski. He said keeping his employees happy is one of the secrets to PMA's success. "We run the company as a family business and really care about our people," he said.